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Partizan Belgrade claim Lazar Markovic is to join Benfica on loan from Chelsea and not them.

By Jure Bohoric

Last Updated: 10/06/13 11:01am

Lazar Markovic: On his way to Benfica

Chelsea have long been linked with the Serbia international midfielder, and the teenager enjoyed a tour of Stamford Bridge earlier this year when he held talks, although he insisted at the time he had not agreed a deal with the Blues.

Then a few weeks ago it emerged that Benfica were favourites for his signature and he looked set to seal a switch to the Estadio da Luz.

And while Markovic does appear set to sign for Benfica, according to Partizan president Dragan Djuric it will actually be via Chelsea.

Djuric says the Premier League club plan on loaning Markovic - who he says they already own - to Benfica for two seasons, but he hopes that Partizan may get him back at some point.

"It is true, Chelsea will send Markovic out on a loan for two years," Djuric told Sportski Zurnal.

"But I really hope that Chelsea and Benfica will not come to agreement so Markovic will stay with us for at least the next six months."

Chelsea do have a history of loaning out foreign talent abroad before bringing them back to Stamford Bridge.

Brazilian Alex spent a number of years in Holland before making the move to Chelsea, while more recently the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Wallace and Ulises Davila have all been loaned out before playing for the club.